Apparatus for scanning and reading bar codes

Abstract

An improved bar code scanning and reading apparatus which is adapted to be hand-held utilizes anamorphic optics for scanning and reading the code by providing a beam having an oblong cross-section in the nominal plane of the code. The oblong cross-section may be aligned with the bars of the code. The optics does not focus the beam in the longitudinal direction of the cross-section at the nominal plane of the code so that diffraction effects which would otherwise cause rotation of the cross-section of the beam to a position transverse to the bars of the code which would preclude reading of narrow bars, is avoided. The last lens of the anamorphic system may be a cylindrical lens which provides a line focus of a visible marker beam while at the same time providing the oblong cross-section of the beam which scans the code. The light from the vicinity of the code passes through the cylindrical lens and is collected by a toric reflector which projects the incoming light onto a photodetector. Power for operating the source of the scanning beam (a laser diode) is conserved by an opto-electronic system responsive to the movement of the sectors of a rotating beam deflector (a polygon reflector) so as to enable power to be applied to the laser only during the intervals when the beam is disposed within the limits of its scan path.